As newer ham I try to follow the etiquette and flow of the TX station. I do not use any computer logging so I cannot verify call signs by a program. I have to go by the old school of listening (I only do phone, no CW). I understand some operators want to keep things short and flowing as smooth as possible, but sometimes the TX or RX is just not readable enough for that quick exchange, and repeating of call signs or signal reports is necessary. I run minimal wattage and have waited to get thru on pile-ups for over an hour before. I just wait my turn if I want that exchange in my log, or just move along elsewhere and come back later in hopes the pile up is smaller and the original operator is still there. I just enjoy the fact that I was able to make contact with someone halfway around the world with my limited gear set-up. After several months of working any DX station I could locate, I picked up that each contact has a different way of transmitting and receiving. One must stop and listen to figure out the flow of the exchange before jumping in both feet first IMO. This video just confirms some the things I had to learn on my own by 'experience'. Appreciate the input. 73 👍
To learn to break the pileup, be the guy running the pileup. Doing POTA/SOTA gives you good experience with smaller pileups. It really helps to be on the receiving end because you're learning how guys are breaking the pile. Now you can take that knowledge and try breaking pileups with that technique.
Having been on the receiving end of the pileup, Randy gives so much solid advice especially with etiquette. Guys who try to bludgeon their way through my pileups.... I intentionally don't work them. It'd be easy to work them so they go away, but then I'm rewarding bad behavior and other people start doing the same thing.
Good on noticing operators who want to inform you that you aren't dead-nuts on .000! Back in the day when we have dials with maybe 1kHz of resolution, it wasn't a concern. Now that everyone has a digital readout, the other guy wants validation that he's not off frequency... YOU ARE! Nonsense. Great discussion! 73, W4ABC
On the "short callsigns aren't always good" - I chose mine purely for being good phonetically, with no thought at all about CW. Then I started doing CW and thought "oh no, all those dahs, the weight of it" but in fact it makes it quite distinctive and it's not an issue.
increase speed when calling - this works for a select few people but I would say it doesn't for most everyone else. More often the problem is in the other direction - answering CQers at a speed much faster than the CQer is sending. Slow down, call once and get the QSO, instead of calling fast, getting ?, then sending again at same fast speed, then getting QRS, then finally slowing down to get your callsign understood and the QSO in the log.
There are other reasons why a caller doesn't answer the CQer's exchange the first time: a) the callsign got covered up by another station calling on top of the CQer. The caller usually hears the exchange but doesn't know who it was for. b) Transmit locked out in multi-op and couldn't reply at exactly the right time.
Interesting to note the differences between contesting, DXing, and the more casual exchanges of POTA and QSO parties. Randy mentioned audio - that’s one of my worries because it is hard to check. All good information … and useful therapy session 😂
Yes, trying to get into the pileup. It's finding the appropriate time and patience. Lots of patience some of the operators may listen above the frequency and sim listing below. It varies it can do. Makes it harder when you when your qrp. It's a challenge though qrp is excellent I think. All the best, DX 73S G0HDA
Another habit that annoys me while running a pile up: the station I answer sends my callsign to me. I know my call and do not need it sent to me. The issue is that it costs the running station qsos eventually because it consumes time. For example if three stations do it in a row, I lose enough time that costs one more qso.
The one thing that bothers me “ I don’t know why” is hearing cq test their call , a moment of silence and boom test again right as I’m calling. 😂 this is a long lived thing in Europe I’m assuming.
I'm not a contester but I like to work DX whether it be on CW or single sideband. And I have managed to break pileups with my meager 100 watt station with an indoor antenna. So yeah I think it comes down to timing if you're a little off frequency and things like that but I've broken pileups. I really got to say this again I just I really think it's about timing and things like that 73 good video
As newer ham I try to follow the etiquette and flow of the TX station. I do not use any computer logging so I cannot verify call signs by a program. I have to go by the old school of listening (I only do phone, no CW). I understand some operators want to keep things short and flowing as smooth as possible, but sometimes the TX or RX is just not readable enough for that quick exchange, and repeating of call signs or signal reports is necessary. I run minimal wattage and have waited to get thru on pile-ups for over an hour before. I just wait my turn if I want that exchange in my log, or just move along elsewhere and come back later in hopes the pile up is smaller and the original operator is still there. I just enjoy the fact that I was able to make contact with someone halfway around the world with my limited gear set-up. After several months of working any DX station I could locate, I picked up that each contact has a different way of transmitting and receiving. One must stop and listen to figure out the flow of the exchange before jumping in both feet first IMO. This video just confirms some the things I had to learn on my own by 'experience'. Appreciate the input. 73 👍
Great to know! Thanks guys!!!
This is great info from experienced guys. Wonderful, thanks!
“Randy needs a hug” 😂😂😂
To learn to break the pileup, be the guy running the pileup. Doing POTA/SOTA gives you good experience with smaller pileups. It really helps to be on the receiving end because you're learning how guys are breaking the pile. Now you can take that knowledge and try breaking pileups with that technique.
Having been on the receiving end of the pileup, Randy gives so much solid advice especially with etiquette. Guys who try to bludgeon their way through my pileups.... I intentionally don't work them. It'd be easy to work them so they go away, but then I'm rewarding bad behavior and other people start doing the same thing.
Definitely a therapy session. I could relate to every word spoken!
Good on noticing operators who want to inform you that you aren't dead-nuts on .000! Back in the day when we have dials with maybe 1kHz of resolution, it wasn't a concern. Now that everyone has a digital readout, the other guy wants validation that he's not off frequency... YOU ARE! Nonsense. Great discussion! 73, W4ABC
On the "short callsigns aren't always good" - I chose mine purely for being good phonetically, with no thought at all about CW. Then I started doing CW and thought "oh no, all those dahs, the weight of it" but in fact it makes it quite distinctive and it's not an issue.
I love your call Stuart! But it’s been a while. Hope u r well
increase speed when calling - this works for a select few people but I would say it doesn't for most everyone else. More often the problem is in the other direction - answering CQers at a speed much faster than the CQer is sending. Slow down, call once and get the QSO, instead of calling fast, getting ?, then sending again at same fast speed, then getting QRS, then finally slowing down to get your callsign understood and the QSO in the log.
The best video I've seen in a long time. 73 Chris DL1YCK
There are other reasons why a caller doesn't answer the CQer's exchange the first time: a) the callsign got covered up by another station calling on top of the CQer. The caller usually hears the exchange but doesn't know who it was for. b) Transmit locked out in multi-op and couldn't reply at exactly the right time.
The ultimate "fun" starts when YB stations call you by keying your call, then their call twice, followed by the report and their call again.
Interesting to note the differences between contesting, DXing, and the more casual exchanges of POTA and QSO parties. Randy mentioned audio - that’s one of my worries because it is hard to check. All good information … and useful therapy session 😂
RE audio: For what it's worth I worked you during the recent NAQP SSB as N0MA. You sounded fantastic.
@ Thanks so much for sharing that. I really appreciate it!
Yes, trying to get into the pileup. It's finding the appropriate time and patience. Lots of patience some of the operators may listen above the frequency and sim listing below. It varies it can do. Makes it harder when you when your qrp. It's a challenge though qrp is excellent I think. All the best, DX 73S G0HDA
'You have to be able to recognize your call'. LOL. True, but sometimes at 35+ wpm, that can be difficult. Especially with calls with lots of dits.
73 de G6AD... that's G6AD in case you missed the first time Randy ;-)
Well played. 😂
Another habit that annoys me while running a pile up: the station I answer sends my callsign to me. I know my call and do not need it sent to me. The issue is that it costs the running station qsos eventually because it consumes time. For example if three stations do it in a row, I lose enough time that costs one more qso.
The one thing that bothers me “ I don’t know why” is hearing cq test their call , a moment of silence and boom test again right as I’m calling. 😂 this is a long lived thing in Europe I’m assuming.
I'm not a contester but I like to work DX whether it be on CW or single sideband. And I have managed to break pileups with my meager 100 watt station with an indoor antenna. So yeah I think it comes down to timing if you're a little off frequency and things like that but I've broken pileups. I really got to say this again I just I really think it's about timing and things like that 73 good video
Absolutely brilliant as always. 2W0IEP 73.